C-sections could increase obesity risk

28 May 2013

Babies born by caesarean section are more likely to be overweight, according to new health research. The study suggests that c-section babies’ risk of obesity is nearly double that of naturally born children.

Researchers theorise that natural childbirth exposes babies to metabolic regulating bacteria in the birth canal. Without the exposure, weight management is difficult and pounds may pile on.

‘The other possibilities are (that) these are children that would have been heavier anyway,’ lead researcher Dr Blustein said. ‘Being heavy as a woman is a risk factor for C-section, so that’s the problem with trying to figure out whether this is real or if it’s simply a matter of selection.’

C-sections have already been linked to asthma and allergies, in addition to obesity.

If you are planning to have children but have some spare weight to shed, consider weight loss surgery to reduce your risk for birthing complications. Gastric bypass surgery is an effective way to lose weight, get your body mass index down to a healthy level, and drastically lower your risk of serious health conditions.